Sample Cup Inner Member with Integral Venting Cap

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to the design and construction of a novel sample cup inner member including an integral venting cap for use in XRF Spectroscopy.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the design and construction of a novel samplecup inner member including an integral venting cap for use in XRFSpectroscopy.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention describes a novel sample cup inner member for usein XRF Spectroscopy.

Spectroscopic analysis (XRF Spectroscopy) utilizes sample cups tocontain liquid or powder samples for elemental analysis. Sample cupsgenerally have a thin transparent film bottom and may include a top endformed integral with the cup body known as a single ended design.Alternatively, the sample cup may include a second thin film or besecured at the top end, known as a double open end design. Sample cupsare generally delivered to the analyst in parts comprised of a side wallmember and complementary secondary member, which members are assembledin combination with a separate thin film component to construct a singlesample cup. The sample cup, with its liquid or powder sample containedtherein, is then manually transported to an XRF instrument and placed ina holder, thin film bottom down, for analysis.

In many instances, a liquid sample is deposited in a sample cup. Asample cup design utilizing a separate cap assembly to be manuallyapplied to the sample cup body after deposit of the sample into thesample cup body requires manipulating the sample cup body, sampledeposit via pipette and cap assembly. This creates handling problems andopportunities for contamination of the sample and contamination ordamage to the thin film assembled to the bottom of the sample cup. Theability to reduce the number of manipulated items increases technicianproductivity and reduces the opportunities for contamination or damageto the sample cup and sample specimen.

In certain instances, provisions for venting may be necessary where atested sample vents liquids or gases. Capped sample cups may contain apermanent vent hole to the outside atmosphere or a snap-off vent hole,also venting to the outside atmosphere. Venting is not always necessaryor preferred particularly if the known sample is in the form of a loosepowder; however and so a versatile sample cup capable of serving aventing or non-venting application constitutes a superior design.

In the case of violently venting liquids or gases, overflow chambershave been designed into sample cup designs to contain any ventingliquids and prevent contamination or damage to the instrumentation.Existing design overflow chambers however, are limited by the sidewalland reservoir dimensions with a larger overflow chamber thereby reducingthe sample reservoir capacity. Furthermore, liquid overflow displaced toexisting design overflow chambers cannot be recycled or returned to thesample reservoir for testing. A superior design would provide for alarger overflow capacity without reducing the cross-sectional capacityof the sample reservoir, allow for return of vented liquids to thesample reservoir, and fully contain all liquids and gases within thecapped and sealed sample cup.

The present invention addresses these concerns, being easily manipulatedwith one hand while providing superior venting options.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-6 are various views (perspective and elevation) of the Oxfordstyle sample cup.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Shown in FIG. 1 is an outer member (1) with a top open end (shown) and abottom open end (not shown). The outer member is dimensioned tofrictionally fit circumferentially about inner member (2), shown in FIG.2. Outer member is distinguished by a flanged upper rim (3), firstprojections (4) about the flanged upper rim, a lower body and secondprojections (5) about said lower body.

Shown in FIG. 2 is inner member (2) with a top closed end (not shown)and bottom open end. Inner member (2) is shown with a hinged cap (6) inthe closed position. A center portion (9) is designed to be depressed tovent said inner top closed end.

Shown in FIG. 3 is the outer member (1) assembled in position over innermember (2).

Shown in FIG. 4 is outer member (1) partially assembled on inner member(2). In practice, a thin film would be placed between outer member (1)and inner member (2), the thin film dimensioned to cover the bottom openend of inner member (2) such that, upon assembly, a liquid sample wouldbe retained for spectroscopic analysis. The first projections (4) may bedimensioned such that when the sample cup is assembled on a hardsurface, such as a tabletop, the first projections will contact thetabletop when outer member is fully assembled over inner member. In atleast one embodiment, this may result in approximately 0.005″ clearancebetween the thin film covering the bottom open end of said inner memberand a planar surface when the sample cup assembly is returned to anupright position, as illustrated in FIG. 3. Said flanged upper rim (3)and second projections (5) of outer member (1) may assist in grippingand manipulating the outer member during assembly and handling fortesting.

Shown in FIG. 5 is a bottom elevation view of outer member (1). Apparentin this view is the flanged upper rim (3), the lower body and secondprojections (5) about said lower body.

Shown in FIG. 6 is a perspective view of inner member (2) with hingedcap (6) in the open position. The top closed end (8) is shown disposedfrom the top wall edge of inner member (2), creating a space defined bythe inner walls of inner member (2), top closed end (8) and hinged cap(6). This results in a dual chamber sample cup; the primary or testingchamber being defined by the inner walls of inner member (2), top closedend (8) and a thin film dimensioned to cover the previously bottom openend; and the secondary or venting chamber defined by the inner walls ofinner member (2), top closed end (8) and hinged cap (6).

Protrusion (7) is dimensioned to allow hinged cap (6) to be placed in aclosed position without piercing the top closed end (8) of inner member(2). In practice, when hinged cap (6) is in a closed position, a samplehas been deposited and the sample cup has been fully assembled inpreparation for testing, hinged cap (6) may be manually depressedthereby causing protrusion (7) to pierce the top closed end (8) to allowventing of liquids and gases into the space defined by the inner wallsof inner member (2), top closed end (8) and hinged cap (6).

While the dimensions and shape of the sample cup components are notspecifically defined and/or discussed herein, it is understood that suchdimensions and shape may be adjusted or modified to meet industry needsor requirements without digressing from the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed:
 1. A sample cup inner member for retaining a sample tobe analyzed spectrochemically, said inner member comprising: a topclosed end, a bottom open end, a cap, and including a protrusionsituated on an inner surface of said cap to facilitate venting of anassembled sample cup when the top surface of said cap is depressed. 2.The sample cup inner member according to claim 1, wherein said topclosed end is disposed from a top wall edge of said inner member.
 3. Thesample cup inner member according to claim 1, wherein said cap isintegrally hinged about the top wall edge of said inner member.
 4. Thesample cup inner member according to claim 2, wherein said cap isintegrally hinged about the top wall edge of said inner member.
 5. Thesample cup inner member according to claim 1, wherein said cap sitsflush with the top wall edge of said inner member when assembled.
 6. Thesample cup inner member according to claim 2, wherein said cap sitsflush with the top wall edge of said inner member when assembled.
 7. Thesample cup inner member according to claim 3, wherein said cap sitsflush with the top wall edge of said inner member when assembled.